GR86 Having a bit of an ownership wobble - talk some sense into me perhaps?

[Silver Fox]

The move into a new year often initiates and encourages reflection.

I've come to the end of a full year with my GR86 and I'm pondering whether I'll see another full year with it.

This isn't a reflection on the car which is of course generally excellent (but we all know that).

The following concerns are generally personal to me and my own situation, and are all fairly minor in isolation. When combined, they have prompted consideration of what to do next.

Factors

Lack of use: My car has done less than 3k miles in 12 months. A recent job change means I'll be using it even less, as I'll be working from home and getting the train for office and site visits. Seems daft having such a relatively high value car sat around doing nothing for most of the time.

Capability: The GR86 is so accomplished it is very tempting and easy to explore the capabilities which can result in driving at let's say higher speeds. I sometimes miss how the GT86 was, in that the driver needed to work much harder (which was more rewarding) with resulting lower velocities. Is the GR86 just too 'good'? Do I really want something slower, and, well, objectively a bit more crap?

Me: Linked to the point above, I have found myself enjoying the car in a manner which has at times edged towards lightly-nobbish driving (when there's no one else about). This is not commensurate with the UK's modern road, traffic and enforcement context, and has already resulted in some domestic strife and an imminent speed awareness course. Often i find I want to or should just waft about. The GR86 isn't really a waft about kind of car.

Other people: I'm getting tailgated and raced and cut up a fair bit in this car, often by SUVs and other jacked up stuff. This doesn't happen when driving our other car. It's tiresome.

Toyota: I'm a bit irritated with how challenging it has been to for example arrange a service. The whole missing equipment list thing does rankle. The "gone in 90 minutes" thing was ridiculous. I miss the personalised, high quality customer service I had recently with Italian brands.

Money: If I had a cheaper car the money could be used for other things.

Alternative: Get something older, less capable, slower, and interesting for a third to a half of the GR86's value and find a good independent specialist to look after it.

Thanks for reading. Thoughts as always welcome. It's been useful to type all that out even if no one reads it! Might just keep the car anyway.

 

[ShootinJack]

Does it make you smile when you drive it?

 

[Sonic]

Lack of use: My car has done less than 3k miles in 12 months.

Other people: I'm getting tailgated and raced and cut up a fair bit in this car, often by SUVs and other jacked up stuff. This doesn't happen when driving our other car. It's tiresome.

Toyota: I'm a bit irritated with how challenging it has been to for example arrange a service. The whole missing equipment list thing does rankle. The "gone in 90 minutes" thing was ridiculous. I miss the personalised, high quality customer service I had recently with Italian brands.

Money: If I had a cheaper car the money could be used for other things.

Alternative: Get something older, less capable, slower, and interesting for a third to a half of the GR86's value and find a good independent specialist to look after it.

Useage: I probably do the same or maybe less mileage than you do. I bought the car just to enjoy. I'm happy just to see it sitting on my driveway and find cleaning it both relaxing and enjoyable. I don't care how many miles it won't do, I just love the miles I'm doing in it - they make me smile.

Other People: Yeah, I've been finding this out too. My recent 6 mile+ aggressive tailgaiter resulted in me driving like a chilled out pensioner by obeying every speed limit and completely ignoring them in my rear view mirror. It takes some self control that's fer sure!

Toyota: Agree. The dealings I've had with them so far have left me feeling completely underwhelmed. That said, I'm enjoying the car and I won't be seeing the dealership again until after the car's 3rd service birthday.

Money: In comparison to a lot of other cars the GR86 is actually quite cheap ... Although the urge to tart it up with extras is hard to resist, as I'm finding out to my cost! If you can leave that money 'aside' and still be happy then it's a good place to be.

Alternative: Nah, keep the GR86 and look after it anyhow. It's worth it just for the 'smiles per gallon'.

 

[Onehp]

Value. Hold on to it and it should keep it's value so much more compared to anything it it's price class. So that's not a big worry?

But key is enjoying the car. If you can find something cheaper that you factually enjoy driving more, you should go for that.

The car is for you, not the other way around however 'nice' it is.

 

[Conscript]

Don't know where you are exactly, but here in the south east, the roads are generally busy and the best time to enjoy the car is therefore to get up early and go for a blast before everyone wakes up. Obviously in the winter that's not as appealing when it's dark until 8am and freezing cold. So I too don't really drive my car as much this time of year....or if I do I'm just pottering around when it's not really at its best. So I kind of get it.

If it's the same for you, then I'd suggest at least waiting for the spring. You might find yourself appreciating the car a bit more when there's more daylight to enjoy it just for the sake of it. And if you still feel the same way, well at least it will be easier to sell a car like this as summer approaches. Not many people looking for RWD sports cars in the middle of winter I'd imagine.

 

[Alex-GR86]

The move into a new year often initiates and encourages reflection.

I've come to the end of a full year with my GR86 and I'm pondering whether I'll see another full year with it.

This isn't a reflection on the car which is of course generally excellent (but we all know that).

The following concerns are generally personal to me and my own situation, and are all fairly minor in isolation. When combined, they have prompted consideration of what to do next.

Factors

Lack of use: My car has done less than 3k miles in 12 months. A recent job change means I'll be using it even less, as I'll be working from home and getting the train for office and site visits. Seems daft having such a relatively high value car sat around doing nothing for most of the time.

Capability: The GR86 is so accomplished it is very tempting and easy to explore the capabilities which can result in driving at let's say higher speeds. I sometimes miss how the GT86 was, in that the driver needed to work much harder (which was more rewarding) with resulting lower velocities. Is the GR86 just too 'good'? Do I really want something slower, and, well, objectively a bit more crap?

Me: Linked to the point above, I have found myself enjoying the car in a manner which has at times edged towards lightly-nobbish driving (when there's no one else about). This is not commensurate with the UK's modern road, traffic and enforcement context, and has already resulted in some domestic strife and an imminent speed awareness course. Often i find I want to or should just waft about. The GR86 isn't really a waft about kind of car.

Other people: I'm getting tailgated and raced and cut up a fair bit in this car, often by SUVs and other jacked up stuff. This doesn't happen when driving our other car. It's tiresome.

Toyota: I'm a bit irritated with how challenging it has been to for example arrange a service. The whole missing equipment list thing does rankle. The "gone in 90 minutes" thing was ridiculous. I miss the personalised, high quality customer service I had recently with Italian brands.

Money: If I had a cheaper car the money could be used for other things.

Alternative: Get something older, less capable, slower, and interesting for a third to a half of the GR86's value and find a good independent specialist to look after it.

Thanks for reading. Thoughts as always welcome. It's been useful to type all that out even if no one reads it! Might just keep the car anyway.

Complete get what you are saying and find myself in a similar position. For me this has always been a long term car, life changes in unpredictable ways. In 12 months time you may be in another job and driving 50 miles a day across amazing back roads. For me, I have decided I need to make an effort to drive it more, create some memories, so at least a couple of track days and a few road trips this year. Whatever you decide, I think the advice to wait until spring, at least, is sound. I do find myself wanting to drive it like I stole it, more often than not .

 

[SRGardening]

The move into a new year often initiates and encourages reflection.

I've come to the end of a full year with my GR86 and I'm pondering whether I'll see another full year with it.

This isn't a reflection on the car which is of course generally excellent (but we all know that).

The following concerns are generally personal to me and my own situation, and are all fairly minor in isolation. When combined, they have prompted consideration of what to do next.

Factors

Lack of use: My car has done less than 3k miles in 12 months. A recent job change means I'll be using it even less, as I'll be working from home and getting the train for office and site visits. Seems daft having such a relatively high value car sat around doing nothing for most of the time.

Capability: The GR86 is so accomplished it is very tempting and easy to explore the capabilities which can result in driving at let's say higher speeds. I sometimes miss how the GT86 was, in that the driver needed to work much harder (which was more rewarding) with resulting lower velocities. Is the GR86 just too 'good'? Do I really want something slower, and, well, objectively a bit more crap?

Me: Linked to the point above, I have found myself enjoying the car in a manner which has at times edged towards lightly-nobbish driving (when there's no one else about). This is not commensurate with the UK's modern road, traffic and enforcement context, and has already resulted in some domestic strife and an imminent speed awareness course. Often i find I want to or should just waft about. The GR86 isn't really a waft about kind of car.

Other people: I'm getting tailgated and raced and cut up a fair bit in this car, often by SUVs and other jacked up stuff. This doesn't happen when driving our other car. It's tiresome.

Toyota: I'm a bit irritated with how challenging it has been to for example arrange a service. The whole missing equipment list thing does rankle. The "gone in 90 minutes" thing was ridiculous. I miss the personalised, high quality customer service I had recently with Italian brands.

Money: If I had a cheaper car the money could be used for other things.

Alternative: Get something older, less capable, slower, and interesting for a third to a half of the GR86's value and find a good independent specialist to look after it.

Thanks for reading. Thoughts as always welcome. It's been useful to type all that out even if no one reads it! Might just keep the car anyway.

Very interesting read and I can relate to all your points. I’m in a similar position to you (2.5k miles in 12 months), and whilst I’m not considering selling it all, my biggest issue is it’s an expensive car to be spending most days sat on the drive. My advice, similar to what others have said, would be to wait until spring/summer and see how you feel then? Plus, the car market is a little odd at the moment….seems to be quickly turning into a buyers market so feels like prices are dropping a bit…..longer term I think they’ll firm back up.

 

[v8s]

Short version: keep it you know you will regret it if you sell it.

I have had similar thoughts, I WFH and will have <2.5k miles at first service. I also get the tailgaters/wannabe racers and I just ignore them, they have thrashed their diesel shitbox to beat me away from the lights, well done here's your medal or maybe not, and guess what you will be driving that shitbox tomorrow and I will have a nicer car to look at sat on the drive. As for being too good, ALL modern cars are. If you are of a certain age you will know that a sub 10 second 0-60 time was the measure of a sports car, 10.1 not a sports car. 9.9 is a sports car, look at even mundane stuff and they are sub 10, performance has never been so accessible.

I don't think you can get a better car for the money vs performance and fun. As a side note I thought I had been snapped by a camera van last summer (I wasn't) but I was in my MX5 with "just" 160bhp, so even if you sell and get something else 100bhp or less can still gt you into trouble anyway.

 

[kalniel]

Factors

Lack of use: My car has done less than 3k miles in 12 months. A recent job change means I'll be using it even less, as I'll be working from home and getting the train for office and site visits. Seems daft having such a relatively high value car sat around doing nothing for most of the time.

If your value argument on buying the car was predicated on a minimum amount of use per year then this makes sense. Personally, I think this is the kind of car that can be used either as a daily or a weekend toy, so if you still get some fun out of it it might make a case for itself.

Capability: The GR86 is so accomplished it is very tempting and easy to explore the capabilities which can result in driving at let's say higher speeds. I sometimes miss how the GT86 was, in that the driver needed to work much harder (which was more rewarding) with resulting lower velocities. Is the GR86 just too 'good'? Do I really want something slower, and, well, objectively a bit more crap?

Me: Linked to the point above, I have found myself enjoying the car in a manner which has at times edged towards lightly-nobbish driving (when there's no one else about). This is not commensurate with the UK's modern road, traffic and enforcement context, and has already resulted in some domestic strife and an imminent speed awareness course. Often i find I want to or should just waft about. The GR86 isn't really a waft about kind of car.

Then reduce the capability - stick some all season tyres on and you'll both be able to use it all year round and you'll find the capability exploration can happen at a lower speed.

Other people: I'm getting tailgated and raced and cut up a fair bit in this car, often by SUVs and other jacked up stuff. This doesn't happen when driving our other car. It's tiresome.

I thought I was also being tailgated/cut up more, but turns out that at least as far as tailgating is concerned, it's just because it's a shorter car - so it feels to me like I'm being tailgated when actually the gap is the same as usual. Being cut up due to not being seen does happen a bit - the horn works pretty well I've found!

Toyota: I'm a bit irritated with how challenging it has been to for example arrange a service. The whole missing equipment list thing does rankle. The "gone in 90 minutes" thing was ridiculous. I miss the personalised, high quality customer service I had recently with Italian brands.

This is hit and miss almost whoever you're with. I've been delighted with Audi for 15+ years, but this year they decided to cancel my arranged service without telling me, then accused me of cancelling. I think this has generally gotten worse over the years - certainly it's a factor in buying a car now - so yes, if you've got a great service place in mind then quite right to think about a car that will fit them.

Money: If I had a cheaper car the money could be used for other things.

You've already gone through this argument when you bought the car... have circumstances sufficiently changed to come to a different conclusion now?

Alternative: Get something older, less capable, slower, and interesting for a third to a half of the GR86's value and find a good independent specialist to look after it.

Could you find a good independent specialist for your GR86?

 

[KobayashiMaru86]

It's the time of year. I've been pretty down for most of it and the constant barrage of bad weather really doesn't help things. I caught myself having a similar thought of why do I need this? It's too nice to have and money could be used elsewhere. It sometimes gets unwanted attention, like those kids deciding to run their hands all over it while it was in my drive! Dealers are irritating, comments online by certain sections, still having to park miles from anyone because people have no respect. But I put a lot of this feeling down to losing Dad as there's lots of things since losing him that I don't see much point in anymore. To use a Welsh phrase, I've lost my hwyl, especially with hobbies and work. Had intended on using his Swift through winter but for whatever reasons I always jumped in the GR. Convenience, speed, memories of him in his car. Who knows. But because of using it daily again, I'm more in tune with it and when I'm not carrying the dog, I appreciate how brilliant it is. Even if now it's always outside and gets a wash once a month if it's lucky.

Yes it's faster than the old 86 but for me, coming from the vRS which on paper at least was quicker, in the real world I'm probably just as quick in this and in some spots quicker and for me, this is what I wanted. It's a far more complete car. I do find it can be a bad influence at times but to temper that, I hold back on certain sections, to enjoy the next set of corners. If I have any hwyl left, it's when I'm driving so the GR will always stay for that reason. Plus it's only money. You shouldn't lose much if/when you do decide to sell. For me, I have the house renovation bits to do but apart from that, what would I spend it on? It's the only thing I still enjoy so has to stay for that reason. If I sold it, then that's me done with cars forever and I'd find another hobby.

In terms of mileage, many bikers don't do more than 3k on theirs as most bikers have them as toys. That something else I plan to use a lot more of this year.

 

[Alistair31]

Book yourself a track day, that’ll probably remove any doubt.

 

[Vistalite]

I think this is a sensible and mature enough forum where asking for considered opinions of other members on these points is reasonable, and the first day of the year is likely the best time for such conundrums.

I would add to previous posts (not having read them mind you) as follows:

Lack of Use:
It is a reasonable assumption that if you aren't going to get the use it deserves then get rid. It's a responsibility/burden and expense that could be unnecessary.

Site visits? I am intrigued by your line of work, as I do the same.

Capability:
Warwickshire isn't particularly blessed with decent routes and I can understand the need to 'enjoy' the cars attributes when you can.

Me, or rather you!:
Attending speed awareness courses could be made with any vehicle, fast or slow. It only takes a moment for one to let the mind drift at the most inconvenient time.

There is always the Citroen Ami (or better still the Fiat Topolino) where you'd get an award certificate from the police if you managed to get three points in that!

Other People:
This is unavoidable and could happen in any car but when it happens to me I use Sonic's method of steely control to ensure maximum annoyance to the other driver.

I also dislike drivers who drive behind you as close to the centre line of the road as possible, in order to try to look past you and bully you into forgiveness. I usually respond by doing the same again - keep to the speed limit or ideally slower to ensure maximum annoyance.

Toyota:
It's hard to disagree with you on this but life is too short to worry about such things although the alarm thing is really REALLY annoying

Money:
Only you will know the impact it has on your personal financial situation and whether it is the best use of your bees and honey. If there are better uses to improve your life or well being then get rid. I recently sold a very low mileage MK1 MR2 that I had driven only 500 miles in 9 years. Beautiful car that I know will be irreplaceable but it needed to be driven and enjoyed therefore I got rid. I realised I'd scratched my mid life itch with that although I've still got a rare colour doer upper to get rid next.

Alternatives:
There are a lot of options but would that be sat doing nothing for extended periods as well? Note: older cars, like people need more care.

Is there an itch you need to scratch at this time? Remember that it's a good time to buy but not necessarily to sell.

Good luck with your agonising but remember that this forum could be considered as a crutch for all your foibles.

Yours truly
Claire Rayner

 

[Onehp]

I thought I was also being tailgated/cut up more, but turns out that at least as far as tailgating is concerned, it's just because it's a shorter car - so it feels to me like I'm being tailgated when actually the gap is the same as usual.

Word. To add, you tend to see the front of the car behind instead of the their windscreen, so it appears closer again AND feels more intimidating...

 

[GS6R4]

For what it's worth...

Lack of use: 3k miles in 12 months. Was your intention to keep the car a long time? If so 3k a year isn't an issue. I keep my GR86 for longer trips/fun. Yeah, it's an extravagance but YOLO etc.

Capability: Do I really want something slower, and, well, objectively a bit more crap? No! Try switching the traction control off or fitting crapper tyres?

Me: I have found myself enjoying the car in a manner which has at times edged towards lightly-nobbish driving (when there's no one else about). This is not commensurate with the UK's modern road, traffic and enforcement context. Just be more careful where you're being lightly-nobbish? Or move further north.

Other people: I'm getting tailgated and raced and cut up a fair bit in this car, often by SUVs and other jacked up stuff. This doesn't happen when driving our other car. It's tiresome. Strange, I've not had that. Maybe Evo readers trying to catch up with you for an autograph?

Toyota: I'm a bit irritated with how challenging it has been to for example arrange a service. I can't argue with that. Although my mindset would be "I went through months of crap from TOR to get this car, I ain't selling it after 12 months." Find an indy garage for the next service.

Money: If I had a cheaper car the money could be used for other things. Do you need those other things? Would they give you as much satisfaction as your car?

Alternative: Get something older, less capable, slower, and interesting. I hear Vauxhall Crosslands have suit hooks?

Sorry, that's probably not much help. Everyone has different circumstances. I've never had a car that makes me smile every time I see it. In a world where things are increasingly crap I've no intention of depriving myself of that.

 

[RumbleandSway]

Understandable and rational thoughts to have at some point.

Rationalise with this advice:

“have nothing, that is not know to be useful or you believe to be beautiful”. William Morris 1873.

and

“you’re here for a good time, not a long time”. A friend 2001

On the subject of tailgaters; ignore them, you have nothing to prove.

 

[Chris Mc]

Watch this, and remember yours has the same potential

https://fb.watch/piU_M-MZkq/?

 

[LittleMav]

This is great read. As it has been written: a mature and sensible forum. Thank you all.

To add: “Driving something I like is better than every Therapy one could get. “. A friend of mine, 2023. He is right.

 

[Silver Fox]

Thank you all very much for your measured, considered, articulate replies. Such great people on this forum.

I really do appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

@ShootinJack - yes it does make me smile when I drive it; even if it has to be the right road at the right time. Fair question - perhaps key to it all really!

@Sonic - sensible response thank you - I shall try your excellent tailgating management approach!

@Onehp - "The car is for you, not the other way around" - great point elegantly put.

@Conscript - I think you've nailed it (as you often do), re. the weather/time of year. Crap time of year to enjoy driving. Early morning drives is an option though.

@Alex-GR86 - I agree, I could make more effort to make memories with the car. Well put!

@SRGardening - good point re. evaluating in the spring/summer. I'm sure I'll have the opportunity for more memorable drives before then, and the values aspect will help if I don't!

@v8s - "I don't think you can get a better car for the money vs performance and fun" - hard to disagree with that really for new cars.

@kalniel - great points across the board thank you. Re. the specialist servicing - I've purchased the Toyota service plan annoyingly, wish I hadn't and had found an indy!

@KobayashiMaru86 - appreciate your thoughts. I always take time to read your posts carefully and never fail to learn/benefit from them. Remember to take care of yourself and here's to the replenishment of your hwyl.

@Alistair31 - track day might actually be a good idea, cheers.

@Vistalite - excellent all-round points - obliged! (Site visits in my case means offices rather than building sites - I was using the term more generally).

@GS6R4 - sound thoughts with bonus chuckles, thanks for that!

@RumbleandSway - excellent quotes - thought provoking and relevent. Obliged.

@Chris Mc - cheers for the link - I enjoyed watching that!

@LittleMav - you are right, some excellent contributions as always from our esteemed members here.


I'm going to make sometime to enjoy the car over the coming days and reflect on the positives. A day or two of sunshine wouldn't hurt.

 

[Grblue86]

For me it sounds like a decision between having a good car that you enjoy driving or not.
If you sell the car, will you be looking to replace it with something cheaper but still enjoyable? Is the difference between that car (which is going to be used and a few years old) and what you can get for the gr86 worth it in your economic situation?

If the answer is yes to both then it would make sense, if the car community is important for you then that's another factor to consider

 

[mike64]

I've purchased the Toyota service plan annoyingly, wish I hadn't and had found an indy! - Check your service plan T & C's, I've got the 10 year one and I can cancel at anytime, they refund any monies back to you less a £30 admin charge, so if you've had no services yet you just lose £30, even if you've had a service they deduct that cost plus admin fee and give you back the balance.

Although servicing with Toyota may be a PITA, I think when it comes to resale a service book stamped with main dealer stamps rather than indy stamps may be easier to sell and possibly worth a bit more